Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Winner Winner {chicken} Dinner!!!!

And the winner is………

April Williams!!!!!

YAY!!! BIG ROUND OF APLAUSE!!!!!!!!!

BUT You aren’t left empty handed….

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS till Sunday!!!!!

Use coupon code: FreeShip

Coupon good at:

www.purdythings.etsy.com

www.purdythings.com

xxooxxoo

Becky

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Time again for a {giveaway}

Isn’t that exciting??  I thought so!!

So what do you win??? You win a set of the newest line of awesomeness from {Purdy Things}!! A $38 value!!!

All the details are below!! Contest ends November 3, 2011

steampunkcollage

Crochet Lace Headband ~ Crochet Lace Cuff

Crochet Lace Boot Cuffs

Aren’t they awesome!!! I love what I do and I love what I design and create, but every once in a while I create something that I’m just giddy about!! And this is it!!!!

SO you can win a set in a color of your choosing!!

There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Become a fan on Facebook

2. Tag Purdy Things in a post on Facebook inviting friends to check us out

3. Sign up for the mailing list:

For Email Marketing you can trust

 

It’s that easy!!! Comment Below and let me know what you have done and your email address {so I can contact you} and I will use a randomizer to pick the winner on :

{November 3, 2011}

Good Luck My Purdies!!!

xoxo

Becky

Thursday, October 13, 2011

The {geek} in me!

I have an awesome hubby…. no really I do.

He is my backbone, he is my rock. He bends over backwards to support Purdy Things, and where I’m lacking, he is so strong.

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I know you are thinking what does that have to do with the {geek} in you??? I’ll tell you! For my birthday he bought me a tablet. I’ve been wanting one because I LOVE gadgets. They are SO fun.

Of course, I had to make something to keep my tablet safe.. I couldn’t let it go out in the world naked.  And sooooo here is the first cover.

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Crochet Owl Ipad / Tablet Cover

Then I went on Pinterest and found SO MANY fun things!!!!

Check out my Gadget Board!!!

It's all about the {gadgets}

Have a blessed day!!!

Love and Joy to all!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Where my {creativity} lives

A while back we decided to rearrange the house to allow my sons to have their own rooms… this meant my office had to find a new home.  We had a front room that we were wanting to turn into a game room.. but hey we could try the office in there.. and now I LOVE it, it’s lot LOTS of natural lighting, it’s still where I can hear everyone, and it has the wall space for my Audrey pictures…. what could be better???

wallofcolor

My amazing hubby made this shelving unit for me… and in the jars on top are all my sparkly shiny beads.. I LOVE IT!

purdydesk

My desk… it’s so peaceful.. and I do have a pretty view of grass and trees out that window!!

I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into my world

 

xoxoxo

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

What's in a name {part 2}

We have decided on a name for the second shop.... 
we didn't use one of the suggested names.... well it was suggested, but by divine intervention I believe!! 
I had a dream.. and it came to me!

ALWAYS PURDY

The grand opening of Always Purdy will be on September 18th

Now on to the winner of the drawing!!! 

CONGRATS!!!!! I will be emailing you the gift certificate!!!! 

XOXO
Becky





Monday, September 12, 2011

What's in a name??? {giveaway}

What's in the name of a new shop??? 
I have been wrestling with the idea of opening a new shop on Etsy, 
one just for the necklaces and bracelets.

Can you help me name my new shop??? 
By entering your name will be put into the drawing for a $20 gift certificate!!! 
If we use the name for the new shop you will get a $25 gift certificate!!

I will do the drawing on Wednesday September 14th, 2011

Here is some inspiration to help you out!!!
 

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Shabby Chic is one of my heavens!!

I just LOVE all things Shabby Chic…
Something about the pure innocent femininity of it just makes me feel so happy, and at peace.
image

There is so much more… so go find your own Shabby Chic Heaven!!!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Fairy Tales Do Come True!!

Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.
C.S. Lewis
Isn’t that the truth!! And now with the release of Red Riding Hood the movie.. we get the grown up version of this fairy tale!!
A while ago a WONDERFUL photographer, asked me to make this for her. She said she had a vision for it.  I’ve seen her work and couldn’t wait to see what she would do with it… WOW was I in for a treat!!!
Check out her Blog
http://freshfromgod.blogspot.com/
172643_10150106564699156_116870704155_6714600_7192880_o172788_10150112437339156_116870704155_6766555_187456_o172988_10150112437149156_116870704155_6766553_4766548_o191270_10150112438009156_116870704155_6766563_1658505_o192168_10150112437854156_116870704155_6766561_3811088_o193761_10150112437514156_116870704155_6766557_2269677_o

Isn’t it just the most amazing thing you have ever seen???
The hooded scarf is also available:
http://purdythings.com/item_75/LIttle-Red-Riding-Hood-Hooded-Scarf--Scoodie.htm

and the winner is.....

I’m so sorry that this is a few hours late…

The flu season hasn’t been kind to to my family.

andthewinneris

lexacd!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

Finding my organization…

If you know me you will know that I’m a bit of a scatterbrain.  My husband says that there is just too much creativity in my brain that there is no room for organization. That is where HE comes in!
I had my way of organizing my yarn.  When I started it was just one plastic bin that held all my yarn… then the collection grew… and grew and grew! To this!
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It may not look like much, but there are 4 bins and a basket FULL of yarn!!  I think I might have an addiction.
So my wonderful amazing husband… who is also my driving force. Decided that instead of me hoping I have the yarn I need, I would KNOW what I have.
So he built me this….
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It has 60 compartments!!!! I’m one super lucky girl to have such a supportive husband!!!
Oh and I have to add.. I do have a TINY bit of organization in my body… here is my collection of buttons!!
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xxoo
Becky

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Giveaway time!!!

Well in the spirit of more posting on this blog I’m going to kick it off with a giveaway!!!
Drawing is Tuesday March 15th, 2011 at 10am.
What do you win??
a $25 gift Certificate to www.purdythings.etsy.com or http://www.purdythings.com
How to Enter: *you must leave a comment for me to know you did these things!!!
Comment on what is your FAVORITE item from Purdy Things!
(1 entry)
Be a follower on this Blog
(1 entry)
Be a Fan on Facebook
(1 entry)
Share this giveaway
(1 entry for each person that comments that you sent them, 2 if they join facebook, and 3 if they buy something)
Buy something at my Etsy Shop
(3 entries)
Here is just a sampling of the AMAZING products you can get!!
yellowturquoisecollage
Chunky Yellow and Turquoise Fiber Necklace

Amazing Mohawk Beanie
smalletsy
Cotton Slouch Hat with Butterfly
mainpage
And so much more!!!!!!
Good luck!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

My mission...

What is my mission...
hmmm that is a loaded question.

If it's about my life, it's to be a good example of God's love, and to be the best mom and wife I can be. That sums it up pretty well I think!


Now if it's about Purdy Things... that is something else!
I started Purdy Things as a creative outlet.. I love making things but there is only so much I can make myself, my daughter, and friends and family.  So why not share my talent with the world?? I am always and I mean ALWAYS thinking of new things, and wish there were more time in each day to make them all!! But I will get to them eventually! What I really want to do with Purdy Things is make people happy! I want anyone who buys from me to be sooo excited to get their packages, and when they do I hope and pray their face lights up in pure delight!

Now my mission for this blog...
I want to share my life, my loves, my finds, and my work with you!
What would you like to see me share??

Thursday, January 13, 2011

New Year.. New take on life... kinda

Yeah I know... I'm so bad at keeping up with this blog..
and yet again it's a goal of mine to do at least 2 posts a week! Wish me luck!!

So it's now 2011, and what is my new take on life??
LOVE
Not just the feeling of love, but making love a verb in my life,
And not just to the people I know and love, but to the perfect strangers.

I want to be a pure example of God's unconditional love for us shinning through me!

God is love, and we were made in HIS image, for us to not only love but to SHOW love.
So that is what I plan to do!


                                            Be My Valenine Headband - PurdyThings

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Have a little faith..... IN YOU!

primitive wood blocks Faith



Primitive Wood Blocks - Faith by PrimitiveHodgePodge

How do you hang in there as a new seller?? Or when you are launching a new line??

Have a little faith in what you are doing!!! You know your products ROCK, and when you know that, others will see your confidence and they will know that your creations rock too!!!





She Believed She Could So She Did by  valentinadesign

It's like the little engine that could.... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!!

I've seen so many people give up after a month or so, and it's so sad, because they had GREAT things to offer!!

We must remember that success doesn't happen overnight, though we wish it would. It takes trial and error, determination, hard work, tears, and FAITH!!



Faith 8x10 Oil and Encaustic Painting by Deconstructing9er

So don't give up, don't get discouraged, and have FAITH in yourself!!!!!!













Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Funky Polka Dot Girrafe Winner!!!















PAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will email you to let you know as well!!! Congrats!!! New giveaway Tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Fabulous = Intentional

When you thought I wasn't looking
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.


When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I l earned to trust in Him.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.


When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
your time and money to help people who had nothing,
and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.


When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.


When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.


When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Makes you think doesn't it??
Makes you wonder what they see? What are you doing that they see that you don't want them to see??
A while ago, a woman I know was asked what makes her fabulous.. she said "Being intentional is what makes me fabuous, I'm an intentional mom, wife, friend, and Christian." That really stuck with me. What did she mean intentional?
This poem touches on that VERY nature, and you may think it's accidental, because of the premise of "when you thought I wasn't looking".. well. I had sent this on to the women in my life who shaped me, and my grandma wrote back the most profound one line answer..
"I knew you were looking."

She did everything intentional. Everything she did was to set an example. I've always strived to be so much like her. When I was a teenager I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom when I had kids, because that is what my grandma was when I was younger, she took me to school, picked me up from school, came and got me early when I was sick, took care of me when I was sick (and when I'm sick now I WISH I could go to her house and snuggle up in her bed with my bell)


OK so back to being an intentional person, the world is always watching you. Be intentional with your compassion, be intentional with your time, be intentional with your resources, be intentional with your courtesies. You don't have to be a Christian to be intentional. But do everything for a reason, when you go have fun with your friends, be intentional to show them how much they mean to you, with your mate, be intentional to let them know just how much you care about them, with your parents, be intentional to let them know you appreciate all the did for you.


Women are always growing, and unfortunately there are those women who are intentional in hurting others, I say be intentional to turn a deaf ear to their gossip. I say be intentional to lead by example. Why oh why oh why do women set out to tear down other women? It's a disaster! So be intentional in building other women up.


And remember that though you might not think anyone is paying attention to what you do or say..... SOMEONE always is. 







Wednesday, July 7, 2010

FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe Giveaway


It's time for a giveaway!!!




FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe has offered 2 choices for their giveaway!
  • 3 items of your choice from their shop (excluding car seat canopies)  OR
  • 1 Car Seat Canopy of your choice
Here is some more about FunkyPolkaDotGiraffe


  • When I started Funky PolkaDot Giraffe over 2 years ago I was making burp cloths and diaper/wipe caddies. I only had a little boy and didn't have much need for bows or clips. I chose the name Funky Polkadot Giraffe because my son ADORES giraffes and I love polka dots and we're a little funky, so it fit us perfectly. When I found out in June of 2008 that I was having a girl my wheels started turning and I started making bows. I started with korkers and it has evolved from there. I owe most everything I know about bow making to my friend Ashby - she's a great teacher and tutorial writer. From there is has snowballed and I started making headbands, princess clips, seasonal ribbon art creations (like my Turkey, Snowman, and Chocolate Bunny). It's been a fun and exciting journey into the creative - there are so many things I want to make, but only so many hours in the day!


  • In addition to bows I also make car seat canopies - because they were a big hit at baby showers. My friend told me the other day - "This is my most favorite gift ever!" The car seat canopies keep strange hands from being tempted to touch your precious new baby, give them some place dark and quiet to nap, protect from the elements, and don't blow away or fall off like a blanket thrown over the top does. Bows can be added to the straps at no additional charge.






 My camera strap slipcovers come padded at no extra charge. My thinking with the strap covers is - you have the fancy dancy camera - you need a fancy dancy strap to match it! Custom orders are welcome and I love working with customers to make something special they'll love.

  • I've been married to the love of my life for almost 9 years and it's gone by in the blink of an eye. I used to be a second grade teacher and I believe second grade is the magic year! I love to read, craft, play with my kids and hang out with my fab friends. 

Ways To Enter:
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! 
Drawing will be done on Monday July 12th, 2010

Monday, July 5, 2010

WOW.. time flies when you MOVE!

Hello Friends!!

I again apologize for my absence!! I do have a PERFECTLY good excuse.. we moved!!
We moved from Rocklin, Ca (Near Sacramento) to Queen Creek, Az, (near Phoenix).

We got here about a month ago, and have gotten into a wonderful summertime routine, complete with pool and bbq!

I have found a WONDERFUL photographer out here!! Check her out!!
http://MomentsDefinedPhotography.com

Have no fear though.... I have NOT let my creativity get packed away!!! here are a few NEW things for the Purdy Things lovers out there!!!
















Picture by Sarah from Moments Defined Photography

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More to come!! And now that I'm settled in.... MORE Etsy tips to come too!!!! 

Monday, May 31, 2010

I heart Faces

When I saw that this weeks challenge was barefoot, I knew I had to enter this photo!!! My daughter LOVES being barefoot, and I love this picture of her!! What is even better about this week having a barefoot theme is that it is for a great cause.

 
 We have the privilege to decide when and if we want to be barefoot, and sadly MANY people don't. How many pair of shoes do you have that you haven't worn in FOREVER?? Could you part with them?? While at church a few years ago we were challenged to do more then get rid of the ratty old shoes we don't wear anymore, we were challenged to give the shoes right off our feet. Tim and I met that challenge, and then ran our errands and such the rest of the day barefoot... we got some weird looks, and when we explained why we got even weirder looks, and then we would run into people who were also barefoot and with a knowing smile we would not at each other, knowing that we gave our "Sunday best" to those who don't have any, that shoe drive at church over the next 3 weeks raised over 30,000 pairs of shoes... since then I don't just give old shoes to the Goodwill, I give them to shelters. It's a good way to give back!






Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Do's and Don'ts Of Crafters!!

no-sign-copy
1. Learn the Craft, NOT the Style
I'm sure it's happened to ALL of us! We come up with something that we can't find anywhere else... lo' and behold a week later someone has been "inspired" by our design!
Or we have found a GREAT way to word our listings, and someone uses the copy and paste feature and uses it word for word.
Now I know the saying "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". It is supposed to be flattering but in reality it's downright frustrating... and rude. No-one likes it.
So that is rule number one.. don't copy someones style. If you are inspired to make something similar to someone else, take care to make it your own. I know there are some mediums where everyone seems to have the same thing... crochet (my medium of choice!) is one of them. There are TONS of sellers out there with similar hats, scarves, washcloths, booties, cuffs, you get the idea. Jewelry is another medium like that. It is hard in a saturated market to stand out with your individuality.
So what can you do??
It's your personal style and spin on things that makes you unique.
Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.
You want people to see your items and KNOW where it came from!! Make sure that all your items are a reflection of YOU.
When someone copies you.. remember what comes around goes around.

Vintage Daisy Antique Brass Bee Victorian Necklace by LauraBlytheDesigns

2. You get more bees with honey!
Yes that is right!! Be nice! Have you ever been in the forums and seen the rude poster and thought I would NEVER buy from someone who is mean like that?? Well guess what... it applies to you to!!
So in the forums and in the chat...
if you don't have anything nice to say, it's better for sales to NOT say anything at all!!
Don't jump on the bandwagon complaining about the Etsy Admin.
DO be encouraging to new sellers
DO be positive and uplifting

Spam Bot Greeting Card by UrsalaandOlive
3. Stop The Spam!
There is a FINE FINE line between advertising and promoting, and spamming.
Sometimes it's hard to know if you are crossing that line.
Sooo ...
DO use your facebook and twitter to promote yourself
DON'T make that ALL you talk about, remember people don't want to see you plugging yourself on every post!
DO put your links on the bottom of convos and emails
DON'T convo people who have hearted an item and tell them it's on sale
DO post your sales in the forums (under promotions)
DON'T Hijack someone else's post to tell about your sale
DO Email those who have asked to be updated about specials and promotions
DON'T Email everyone in your address book
DO Post on pertinent blogs and put your link as part of your signature
DON'T Post on Blogs with your sales and links

Eloise and Ramona Play Telephone Best Friends Necklace Set by FlapperDoodle
4. Talk Talk Talk
Or write write write!! We are talking about communication people!
When you get a convo asking about an item, what to do.....
DO Write back as quickly as you can
DON'T wait to reply if you need to do some research, write them back and let them know you are looking into it.
DO Give clear concise answers to their questions
DON'T make the process confusing
DO Be friendly and patient!
DON'T get frustrated with their questions (well don't let them know if you get frustrated)

Live Love Learn 8x10 Print by Tessyla
Most important is the Golden Rule:
Treat others as YOU want to be Treated!!